Supercars to hold night race in 2018

V8 Supercars night racing test

Supercars will race under lights in 2018 after a night race was confirmed at Sydney Motorsport Park next August.

The 16-event championship calendar was released on Wednesday with the night race and a new event at the $110 million Tailem Bend circuit in South Australia the main changes.

The 2018 calendar also boasts a full championship round at the Australian Grand Prix for the first time.

The night race at Sydney Motorsport Park will be a 300km race from 7pm on August 4.

Supercars chief executive James Warburton said holding a night race had long been a goal of the championship.

Drivers Simona De Silvestro and Fabian Coulthard tested lighting at the western Sydney circuit in August, hinting then that the venue would be hosting night races in the future.

"We've made no secret we wanted to stage a night race next year and I am delighted to say it is now a reality," Warburton said.

The last time Supercars raced under lights was in Abu Dhabi in 2010 and 2011.

There are four Dunlop Super2 Series wildcard events in 2018 at the Winton SuperSprint, CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown, Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint and The Bend SuperSprint.

Additionally, Supercars has multiple signed agreements in place for races in Asia with a view to adding additional events in the region to the calendar from 2019.

“We are making strong progress with our Asian promoters and are committed to these being sustainable long term rather than short-term opportunities."

The Dunlop Super2 Series returns as a points paying event at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on a seven-event calendar including a return to the Perth SuperSprint.

March 1-4: Adelaide 500, Adelaide*
March 22-25: Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix
April 6-8: Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint*
April 20-22: WD-40 Phillip Island 500
May 4-6: Perth SuperSprint*
May 18-20: Winton SuperSprint
June 15-17: CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown
July 6-8: Watpac Townsville 400*
July 20-22: Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint
Aug 4: Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300
Aug 24-26: The Bend SuperSprint
Sept 14-16: Sandown 500*
Oct 4-7 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000*
Oct 19-21: Vodafone Gold Coast 600
Nov 2-4: ITM Auckland SuperSprint
Nov 23-25: Coates Hire Newcastle 500*

*denotes Dunlop Super2 Series
** Events and dates are subject to change. Correct at time of distribution.